The game pits 12 "Capital All-Stars," the best players from Maryland and the D.C. metropolitan area, against a dozen players from the rest of the country. Each of the "U.S. All-Stars" has landed a Division I scholarship, including University of Maryland-bound center Jordan Williams and Clemson (S.C.) signee Milton Jennings, who competed in the McDonald's All-American game April 1.

A preliminary game precedes the main event, and includes five county products. Private schoolers Recardo Gaddy and Robert Olson suit up for the District All-Stars, while Stephen Griffin, Chase Hicks and Bruce Massey represent the Suburban All-Stars.

The opener is often more intense than the nightcap, as many players have yet to choose a college. Hundreds of scouts are on hand every year.

"This game could really boost interest in me," said Massey, an All-Gazette first-team selection who has been in contact with Towson and Mount Olive College (N.C.). "Most of the kids on my team, I've played against at some point, so it's fun to finally get to play with these guys. Just to be selected is so big."

Over 60 Capital Classic alumni have gone on to the NBA since the game's debut in 1974. Four started in the league's All-Star Game this season: Cleveland's Lebron James, New Orleans' Chris Paul, Orlando's Dwight Howard and Phoenix's Amaré Stoudemire.

Yarou could join that company one day. His coach at Montrose Christian, Stu Vetter, calls him "the most dominating big man we've had."

A native of the Republic of Benin, in Africa, Yarou has only played organized basketball in the states for little over a year. But after starring for the D.C. Blue Devils AAU team and averaging over 22 points and 13 rebounds per game this winter, he is now rated the No. 14 senior in the country by recruiting Web site Rivals.com.

He and Armwood have already committed to Villanova (Pa.).

"I just want to have fun," said Yarou. "It's my first high school all-star game. I'm glad I have a chance to play with some of my AAU teammates."

Webster also has his future decided, as the Gazette Player of the Year has agreed to an Ivy League scholarship with Harvard (Mass.). The 6-foot-5 swingman was a four-year starter and finished his prep career with a bang, leading the county at 24.1 points per game and taking the Bears to their first outright Interstate Athletic Conference championship in 41 years.

No one has more to prove Thursday than Olasewere, one of only two players in the featured game currently without a Division I commitment. That could change, however.

He has been in contact with George Washington, North Carolina-Wilmington and Rider (N.J.). While leading Springbrook to its second straight Class 4A state championship, he also caught the eye of Georgetown head coach John Thompson III, who attended the Blue Devils' state-semifinal victory over Baltimore City's Walbrook.

Precedent may work to the big man's advantage. Last year, undersized Springbrook alumnus C.J. Garner shot 4 of 6 from the field in the Capital Classic, and is now playing Division I basketball at South Alabama. Olasewere is small for a post player at 6-6, but his greatest strength has always been playing larger than his size.

"I'm just going to play like it's just another game," said Olasewere. "I mean, I've seen most of the guys on the circuit. I expect to play well."